tow DODGE DURANGO 2012 3.G Owner's Manual

TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS (MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS)
Engine ModelGCWR (Gross Combined Wt.
Rating) Frontal Area
Max. GTW (Gross Trailer
Wt.) Max. Trailer Tongue
Wt. (See Note)
3.6L RWD 11,600 lbs (5 262 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lbs (2 812 kg) 620 lbs (281 kg)
3.6L AWD 11,600 lbs (5 262 kg) 40 sq ft (3.72 sq m) 6,200 lbs (2 812 kg) 620 lbs (281 kg)
5.7L RWD 13,100 lbs (5 942 kg) 60 sq ft (5.57 sq m) 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 720 lbs (327 kg)
5.7L AWD 13,100 lbs (5 942 kg) 60 sq ft (5.57 sq m) 7,200 lbs (3 266 kg) 720 lbs (327 kg)
Refer to local laws for maximum trailer towing speeds.
NOTE: The trailer tongue weight must be considered as part of the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and should never exceed the
weight referenced on the Tire and Loading Information placard. The addition of passengers and cargo may require reducing trailer tongue load
and Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). Redistributing cargo (to the trailer) may be necessary to avoid exceeding Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) of 3,900 lbs (1 769 kg).
• If the gross trailer weight is 3,500 lbs (1587 kg) or more, it is mandatory to use a weight-distributing hitch to ensure stable handling of your vehicle.
NOTE: Vehicles not factory equipped with trailer tow package are limited to 3,500 lbs (350 lbs tongue weight).
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TOW/HAUL MODE
• When driving in hilly areas, towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, etc., andfrequent transmission shifting occurs, press the TOW/HAUL switch to select
TOW/HAUL mode. This will improve performance and reduce the potential for
transmission overheating or failure due to excessive shifting. When operating in
TOW/HAUL mode, transmission upshifts are delayed, and the transmission will
automatically downshift (for engine braking) during steady braking maneuvers.
• The “TOW/HAUL Indicator Light” will illuminate in the instrument cluster to
indicate that TOW/HAUL mode has
been activated. Pressing the switch a
second time restores normal operation.
If the TOW/HAUL mode is desired, the
switch must be pressed each time the
engine is started.
RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME,
ETC.)
Rear-Wheel Drive Models
•Recreational towing is not allowed.
All-Wheel Drive Models (Single-Speed Transfer Case)
•Recreational towing is not allowed. This model does not have a NEUTRAL position
in the transfer case.
All-Wheel Drive Models (Two-Speed Transfer Case)
NOTE: The transfer case must be in the NEUTRAL position, and the transmission must
be in the PARK position for recreational towing.
Shifting Into NEUTRAL• Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for recreational towing.
• Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and shift the transmission to PARK. Turn the engine off.
• For vehicles with Keyless Enter-N-Go, remove the Keyless Enter-N-Go button and use the Key Fob to complete this procedure.
• Turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position, but do not start the engine.
TOW/HAUL Switch
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• Press and hold the brake pedal and shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
• Press and hold the transfer case N (Neutral) button for four seconds, until the lightnext to the N symbol starts to blink, indicating shift in progress. The light will stop
blinking (stay on solid) when the shift to N (Neutral) is complete.
• Start the engine and shift the transmission into REVERSE.
• Release the brake pedal for five seconds and ensure that there is no vehicle movement.
• Turn the engine off and firmly apply the parking brake.
• Shift the transmission into PARK and remove the Key Fob.
• Attach the vehicle to the tow vehicle using a suitable tow bar and release the parking brake.
CAUTION!
• Towing with the rear wheels on the ground will cause severe transmissiondamage. Damage from improper towing is not covered under the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
• Front or rear wheel lifts should not be used. Internal damage to the transmission or transfer case will occur if a front or rear wheel lift is used
when recreational towing.
• It is necessary to follow these steps to be certain that the transfer case is fully in NEUTRAL before recreational towing to prevent damage to internal
parts.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the vehicle unattended with the
transfer case in the NEUTRAL position without first fully engaging the parking
brake. The transfer case NEUTRAL position disengages both the front and rear
driveshafts from the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move even if the
transmission is in PARK. The parking brake should always be applied when the
driver is not in the vehicle.
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24-HOUR TOWING ASSISTANCE
• Dial toll-free 1-800-521-2779 or 1-800-363-4869 for Canadian residents.
• Provide your name, vehicle identification number and license plate number.
• Provide your location, including telephone number, from which you are calling.
• Briefly describe the nature of the problem and answer a few simple questions.
• You will be given the name of the service provider and an estimated time of arrival.If you feel you are in an “unsafe situation”, please let us know. With your consent,
we will contact local police or safety authorities.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING LIGHTS
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
• Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly, when coldand inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
• As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
• IF THE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING INDICATING A LOW TIRE PRESSURE, ADJUST THE AIR
PRESSURE IN THE LOW TIRE TO THE AIR PRESSURE SHOWN ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD
OR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. NOTE: AFTER
INFLATION, THE VEHICLE MAY NEED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE
FLASHING LIGHT WILL TURN OFF.
• Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
• Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue each time the vehicle is
restarted as long as the malfunction exists.
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• When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able todetect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle, to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
NOTE: Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) per 12° F (7° C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the outside
temperature is 32°F (0°C), then the cold tire inflation pressure should be increased by
3 psi (21 kPa), which equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for this outside
temperature condition.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels.
TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped
on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result
when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or
style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Do not use tire sealant
from a can, or balance beads if your vehicle is equipped with a TPMS, as
damage to the sensors may result.
BRAKE- Brake Warning Light
• The Brake Warning light illuminates when there is either a system malfunction or the parking brake is applied. If the light is on and the parking brake is not applied,
it indicates a possible brake hydraulic malfunction, brake booster problem or an
Anti-Lock Brake System problem.
• Please have your vehicle serviced immediately.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake
system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a
collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
- Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
• Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, etc., may illuminate the MIL after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light
stays on through several typical driving cycles. In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and not require towing.
• If the MIL flashes when the engine is running, serious conditions may exist that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. We
recommend you do not operate the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
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- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light
• If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” comes on continuously withthe engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this
light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven
several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), we
recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
• The “ESC Activation/Malfunction Indicator Light” starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and the ESC system becomes active. If the light begins to flash
during acceleration, ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
The light also flashes when TCS is active. To improve the vehicle's traction when
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, it may be desirable to switch the ESC
system to Partial Off mode by momentarily pressing the ESC Off
switch located
below the climate controls, on the switch panel.
- Charging System Light
• This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with
the charging system.
• We recommend you do not continue driving if the charging system light is on. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light
• This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stopthe vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound for four
minutes when this light turns on.
• We recommend you do not operate the vehicle or engine damage will occur. Have the vehicle serviced immediately.
- Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light
• This light monitors the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
• If the light is not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, werecommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced
immediately.
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
• This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)system.
• If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is
placed in the PARK position; the light should turn off.
• If the light remains lit with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized service center immediately. If the light is
flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may
experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your
vehicle may require towing.
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JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
Jack Location
• The scissor-type jack and tire changing tools are located in rear cargo area, belowthe load floor.
• Rotate the plastic thumb screw on the end of the jack to remove the jack from the bracket.
Spare Tire Stowage
• The spare tire is stowed under the rearof the vehicle by means of a cable
winch mechanism. To remove or stow
the spare, use the jack handle/lug
wrench connected to the square socket
extension to rotate the “spare tire
drive” nut. The nut is located under a
plastic cover at the center-rear of the
cargo floor area, just inside the liftgate
opening.
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Spare Tire Removal
1. Remove the jack tools from the bag.
2. Raise the protective rubber matcovering the storage compartment
floor and remove the plug to access
the winch drive.
3. Fit the jack handle extension over the drive nut. Use the lug wrench handle
and extension to completely lower the
spare tire. Keep turning the handle
until the winch STOPS.
NOTE: Do not use power tools to operate the winch.
4. Slide the tire out from under the vehicle and rotate it vertically behind
the rear bumper.
5. Spread the retaining tabs on the plastic plate and pull the metal
stamping toward you to release it from
the plastic plate.
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15. Reinstall the plastic plug into the floor of the cargo area. Roll up and store theJack, Tool Kit and Tire Changing Instructions. Reinstall the cover for the jack in
the rear storage bin.
NOTE: The plastic thumb screw being on the right and the position of the lug wrench
before the velcro straps go around the fully closed jack.
16. Remove the blocks/rocks from the opposite tire.
17. Have the aluminum road wheel and tire repaired as soon as possible and
properly secure the spare tire, jack
and tool kit.
Road Tire Installation
1. Mount the road tire on the axle.
2. Install the remaining lug nuts with thecone shaped end of the nut toward
the wheel. Lightly tighten the lug
nuts.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
4. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Push down on the wrench while at the end of the handle for increased leverage. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until each nut
has been tightened twice. The correct tightness of each lug nut is 110 ft/lbs
(150 N·m). If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked with a
torque wrench by your authorized dealer or service station.
5. After 25 miles (40 km) check the lug nut torque with a torque wrench to ensure that all lug nuts are properly seated against the wheel.
CAUTION!
• Do not use power tools to winch the tire up or down. Impact type tools candamage the winch mechanism.
• Do not attempt to raise the vehicle by jacking on locations other than those indicated in the Jacking Instructions for this vehicle.
• Be sure to mount the spare tire with the valve stem facing outward. The vehicle could be damaged if the spare tire is mounted incorrectly.
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WARNING!
• Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close to movingtraffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the danger of being hit when
operating the jack or changing the wheel.
• Being under a jacked-up vehicle is dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the jack and fall on you. You could be crushed. Never put any part of your body
under a vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get under a raised vehicle,
take it to a service center where it can be raised on a lift.
• The jack is designed to be used as a tool for changing tires only. The jack should not be used to lift the vehicle for service purposes. The vehicle should
be jacked on a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slippery areas.
• Always park on a firm, level surface as far from the edge of the roadway as possible before raising the vehicle.
• Turn on the Hazard Warning flasher.
• Block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel to be raised.
• Set the parking brake firmly and set the automatic transmission in PARK.
• Never start or run the engine with the vehicle on a jack.
• Do not let anyone sit in the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Do not get under the vehicle when it is on a jack.
• Only use the jack in the positions indicated and for lifting this vehicle during a tire change.
• If working on or near a roadway, be extremely careful of motor traffic.
• To assure that spare tires, flat or inflated, are securely stowed, spares must be stowed with the valve stem facing the ground.
• Carefully follow these tire changing warnings to help prevent personal injury or damage to your vehicle:
• Raising the vehicle higher than necessary can make the vehicle less stable. It could slip off the jack and hurt someone near it. Raise the vehicle only
enough to remove the tire.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not fully tighten the wheel nuts until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure to follow this warning
may result in personal injury.
• Do not use power tools to winch the tire up or down. Impact-type tools may damage the winch mechanism.
• A loose tire or jack, thrown forward in a collision or hard stop could endanger the occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the jack parts and the spare tire in
the places provided.
• To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off the jack, do not tighten the lug nuts fully until the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
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